early Christian church
Apostolic faith community
The early Christian church refers to Christian communities and their organization during the first few centuries after Jesus's death, roughly through the 4th or 5th century CE.
The term encompasses the period when foundational doctrines, liturgical practices, and ecclesiastical structures were being established: The early Christian church met in private homes before dedicated buildings existed.
Scholars study this era for insight into how Christianity evolved from a Jewish sect into a distinct religion with its own hierarchy and canon.
- TrinityGodhead as three persons
- bishopricBishop's jurisdictional district
- presbyterOrdained church elder
- catacombsUnderground cemetery passages
- ChristologyDoctrine of the Messiah's nature
Antioch · iconography · Roman Empire · persecution · liturgy · Nicene Creed · martyrdom · Eucharist · Gospels · baptism · deacon · Jerusalem · Council of Nicaea · hymns · speaking in tongues · sign of the cross · good shepherd · Last Supper
early Christian churchZoroastrianism
Ancient dualistic Persian religion
mystery cults · Judaism · temple worship · ancient Egyptian religion
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